Public Relations tips we can take from Tucson

When tragedy happens, you can usually find people pointing blame at one another once the initial impact of the tragedy has happened. The shooting almost two weeks ago in Tucson is one of those examples. But as I like to believe, when bad things happen, we should try to take away things from what has happened to improve our lives.

Now this post isn't going to point fingers at anybody. It's barely about the politics of the Tucson incident. So let's not make this about politics. Let's instead use it to improve our public relations skills.

Whether you are a politician, business owner, public official, non-profit director or you do the marketing or PR for any of these people, you always need to keep an eye on your image or the image you are presenting to the public of your employer. Are there things that you do, say, print, etc., that could make you a target for attacks? You may not even realize that some of the things in your life and business could eventually affect what the public thinks of you.

Here's some tips to keep you thinking about how you can improve your public relations:

1. You may think that once you are off the clock that you are now on personal time. But people - your customers, your constituents, your future customers - are watching you. Are you warm and friendly in public and dressed appropriately? Also think about your behavior - are you doing things that could lead to embarrassment down the road. There have been many a time when a police officer is suddenly embarrassed and removed from his position for drunk driving. An even simpler example is that of your general behavior while shopping, driving, socializing.


2. Think before you speak. Someone with good public relations skills will analyze what they are about to say and make sure they have chosen the right words. This applies not only to politicians but also to those working in the business sector. Offending potential customers by the words you speak on the phone with them, in person, on your website, or in your marketing materials leads won't keep them returning to you for business. Many times though, you may not realize that what you have said is offensive. What may be funny or thought-provoking to you, may not be to the next person.


3. When the rumors and attacks start coming, don't fight back. Rumors or attacks, whether they are unfounded or not, usually come from people that make it their business to attack you and others. There is no winning these people over and many times they really do just want to start a fight. By just being quite and ignoring their attacks, you can no longer fuel the fire they are trying to start. And to make up for what they have done to you, begin doing the opposite of what they are trying to characterize you with. Be generous in your community, help others and create an outstanding repertoire with your customers and associates.


Now, unhappy customers with legitimate claims is a different story. You should always make right an unhappy customer that is reasonable. As a matter of fact, go above and beyond what would make things right. Then you will have less to worry about concerning negative comments to their friends about you.